Case-bearing clothes moth (larva/case)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in closets, drawers, or areas with stored natural textiles, furs, and feathers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratin-containing animal fibers such as wool, silk, hair, fur, and feathers; they also consume dead insects and skin flakes.

Behavior Patterns

The larva builds a portable silken tube (case) incorporating fibers from its food source. It carries this case while feeding and eventually pupates inside it. Unlike the webbing clothes moth, this species rarely leaves its case except to molt or pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant damage to household fabrics, upholstery, and museum specimens. They provide no direct benefit to humans and are considered a common indoor pest.

Identified on: 12/28/2025